WHAT IS ITVitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in many types of fruits and vegetables.
It acts as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals and reduce the risk of inflammation and disease.
Your body also uses vitamin C to synthesize important compounds like collagen, a type of structural protein that makes up connective tissue and aids in wound healing.
Vitamin C is also needed for the production of other compounds, such as L-carnitine and neurotransmitters.
WHY IT SHOULD BE OF INTEREST
- Holds Powerful Antioxidant Properties
- Helps Prevent Anemia
- Boosts Immunity
- Improves Heart Health
- Promotes Glowing Skin
- Reduces Risk of Gout
HOW TO TAKE IT
Vitamin C can be found in many different fruits and vegetables, including kiwi fruit, bell peppers, oranges and strawberries.
The recommended intake of vitamin C can vary by age and gender. Here are the recommended dietary allowances for vitamin C according to the National Institutes of Health:
- 0–6 months: 40 milligrams daily
- 7–12 months: 50 milligrams daily
- 1–3 years: 15 milligrams daily
- 4–8 years: 25 milligrams daily
- 9–13 years: 45 milligrams daily
- 14–18 years: 75 milligrams daily for males, 65 milligrams daily for females
- 19+ years: 90 milligrams daily for males, 75 milligrams daily for females
There seem to be no serious side effects even with high doses of vitamin C.
With the exception of a slightly higher risk of kidney stones (in men only), most adults can safely take up to 2,000 milligrams per day of vitamin C and experience very mild stomach discomfort at most.
